We're a nation of chip lovers. In fact, our orders of crinkle cut, wedges or skinny pommes frites mean that in one year alone we eat nearly three billion meals containing chips.

This week, Chip Week (February 16 to 22), is the perfect time to celebrate that.

It's also a perfect time to celebrate the wines that go with a humble spud; those weekday bottles that sit so nicely alongside the salt and vinegar, ketchup and a variety of other flavours...

A steal at the price, stylish and a terrific match with fish and chips, a cava such as E xtra Special Mas Miralda Vintage Cava 2011, Spain (currently £6 reduced from £7.98, Asda) has the richness and acidic structure to cut through the batter, balance the flavours and provide some delicious, creamy, lemony refreshment to this seaside staple.

More Loire Valley cruise than a take-away from the local chippy, a crisp sauvignon blanc from Sancerre has the freshness to compliment flaky fish with tartare sauce. Try Gold International Wine Challenge medal-winning Tesco Finest Sancerre 2013, France (£11.99, Tesco) which is aromatic with intense grapefruit and gooseberry flavours, a racy, citrusy finish and good minerality to cope with frites dipped into a sharp tartare sauce.

Meanwhile, Les Hauts De Bergelle Blanc 2011, Saint Mont, France (£6.99, Majestic) has all the fruity goodness to go with chicken and chips. Whether it's deep-fried or a bronzed bird with oven baked McCains, this easy-drinking white from south west France is a blend of local grapes, and the vibrant tropical fruit aromas - with ctirus, grassy, pear flavours mingling with nutty notes from partial oak ageing - make it very drinkable.

Another crowd pleaser, reach for a bottle of Chianti like Fiorenza Chianti DOCG 2013, Italy (£5.99, Netto, Please note: not available in Scotland) and you'll be rewarded with baskets of cherry-laden fruit from the sangiovese grape. A smooth, easy drinking red that's medium-bodied with luscious red fruit flavours and sweet, spicy notes on the nose, it's the perfect accompaniment to an Aberdeen Angus burger and French fries.

Elsewhere, Chilean winery Cono Sur are one of the country's best producers and Cono Sur Los Gansos Merlot 2013, Chile (£6.50, www.thewinesociety.com) offers outstanding value for so much flavour. A silky smooth merlot that can also be relied upon to beef up a burger and chips (there's a splash of cabernet in the blend), it's jammy on the nose with sweet spices and herbs, ripe forest fruits and smooth tannins on the lingering finish.

Not forgetting the merits of a suave malbec with steak and chips, Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2012, Mendoza, Argentina (£13.99, www.latitudewine.co.uk) is opulent and rich with concentrated dark plum and blackberry fruits, spiced red berries, black pepper and a hint of vanilla on the powerful, spicy finish that's cushioned with soft tannins. Highly rated, the Kaiken estate was founded in 2002 by famous Chilean winemaker Aurelio Montes and the range comprises 11 wines.

:: BEST BUY Blooming marvellous.... If you've left Valentine's Day gifting until the last minute, the in-thing is to say it with gin, courtesy of Bloom Premium London Dry Gin, special limited release (£22 reduced from £24, 70cl, Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Booths).

The bottle has been dressed with a pink ribbon and a hanger around the neck to write a personalised message. Light and floral with chamomile, honeysuckle and pomelo making up the three main botanicals, it has a delicate mouthfeel and citrusy finish. No need for a slice, just add tonic.

:: LIQUID NEWS Out and about... According to a report by Liberty Wines, Britain is becoming a nation of adventurous wine drinkers with sales of white wine taking the lion's share of drinking custom and favourites pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc leading the way.

The Liberty Wines Premium On-trade Report reveals that Brits are drinking less wine overall, but we're visiting more upmarket venues, such as gastropubs and wine bars, and drinking higher quality wines when we're there.

Champagne and prosecco have seen a post-recession boom with sales up 45% and champagne accounts for six out of 10 bottles of sparkling wine consumed in high-end establishments.

"It's an exciting time for Britain's premium on-trade wine market which has never been stronger," says David Gleave, MW, managing director of Liberty Wines.

"Although consumers tend to stick to styles and varieties they know and trust, we are increasingly seeing them trade-up to better quality wines that cost more. Our job is to continue to entice people to try new styles and varieties from across the globe."

According to the report, our favourite reds are merlot and tempranillo, but sales of pinot noir are up 75% in gastropubs and Old World countries France and Italy are the most popular. Wines from New Zealand are the fastest growing and Chile has broken into the top five countries.

Liberty Wines have been awarded International Wine Challenge On-Trade Supplier of the Year six years running and the specially-created Trade Merchant of the Year in 2014. For more info visit www.libertywines.co.uk